Tractor



O. L. STAR R TRACTOR Filed DBG. 4, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 scmr L. STARR W N m T T A Aug. 4, 1936.

O. L. STARR TRACTOR,

v Filed Deo. 4, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 4, 193s;

` o. L. STARR TRACTOR Filed Dec. 4, 1953` vom W v"s sheets-shea 3 INVENTOR. 0504/?. 1 5mm? www ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 4, 1936 17 Claims.

The present invention relates to track-type tractors, and more particularly to the provision oi' a simple and rigid 'truck .frame construction for the endless track mechanisms of the tractor;

the truck frames being adapted to maintain said track mechanism accurately aligned with respect to the tractor while transmitting heavy stresses.

In a track-type tractor, the main frame or body portion of the tractor is supported on a pair of 1o spaced endless track mechanisms arranged longitudinally of the tractor at the sides thereof. The endless track mechanisms include truck frames which oscillate with respect to the main frame as the tractor travels over the ground. It l5 is desirable that, during such oscillation, the truck frames be maintained in accurate alignment without distortion thereof while transmitting all types o! stresses placed thereon to the main frame of the tractor.

A consideration of the heavy work which tracktype tractors perform andthe operation thereof in turning, makes it apparent that the type of truck frame construction is very important. In

making short turns with such tractors, one o! the endless track mechanisms is locked, while the other drives. whereby the resultant forces tend in twist the locked. track4 mechanism on .the ground. .lhus.v the truck frames are subjected to severe stresses in such turns, such stresses being 'y unusually heavy when the draft forces are transmitted through the truck frames,`as, for example, when a bulldozer is connected to such frames. The work ot a track-type tractor where it must s roughuneven ground, particularly where draft forcesl or side thrusts trom the implement are transmitted to the truck frames, requires the provision of a truck trame' construction having a structure which is capable ot transmitting heavy v main frame without distortion. suchV as twisting. weaving. and the like. At the same time, the truck frame construction should be of such character alignment o! the truck frames with respect to the main trame o! the machine.

The construction disclosed herein provides a truck frame which is capable of transmitting heavy bending moments and stresses, while maintaining the truck trames in their Y 50 proper position. Each truck trame is substantially Y-shaped and preferably consists essentially of box-shaped or tubular members which eilectively resist tension, compression and torsion 55 Itls an object ot the invention, therefore, to

turn constantly under load while travelling-over as to maintain accurate receiving and UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRACTOR.

l Oscar L. Starr.' Mission San Jose, Calif., assignor to Caterpillar Tractor Co.. San Leandro, Calif., a corporation of California l Application December 4, 1933, Serial No. 700,762

provide a track-type tractor having a truck frame construction adapted to receive heavy stresses of all typeswithout being displaced from alignment with respect -to the main frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide 5 an integrally formed Y-shaped truck frame for the endless track mechanisms of a track-type tractor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an endless track mechanism for a track-type l0 tractor, including a truck frame construction consisting essentially of tubular side members.

Another object of the invention is to provide a v Y-shaped truck frame construction for tracktype tractors, the open ends of each frame embracing a iinal drive mechanism. and bein! formed of substantially tubular members.

Another object of the invention is to provides. fabricated truck frame for track-type tractors of a construction adapted to successfully resist compression, tension and torsion stresses, the parts of the truck frame being molecularly united.

Another object of the invention is to provide a Y-shaped truck frame construction for track-type tractors adapted to embrace a iinal drive mechprising a tubular .hinge member molecularllf united to the bodyportion ot the truck frame.

A further object of the invention is the provision ot a truck frame, of the character described. which is of comparatively light construction and economical to manufacture.

Other objects will appear as the description progresses.

Descrip` tion of #01H88 35 Fig. 1 is a right side elevation oi' a track-type tractor having a truck frame construction embodyins the .instant invention. Fig. 2 is a ic plan view of a tracktype tractor rillustrating the suspension or the main trame. or body of the tractor. on the frames.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of atruck frame, taken on me une a-l in rm. 1. 45

Fig. 4 is a vertical, longitudinal section taken on the line I-l in Fig. 3.

Pig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical transverse section taken on the line I-S in Fig. 3.-

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical transverse section taken on the line 6-6 in Fig. .e

Figs. 'I and 8 illustrate a second form of the invention.v

Fig. 7 is a plan'view similar to Fig. 3.

Pig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical transverse secand plate 42 welded thereto along each flange. taken on the line .l-I in 7. as at 43. The-shorter inner side member 2| is of similar construction and has brace 24 and side mm "f mechanism plete 4s welded thereto (Fig. 5J ee at u. Pute 5 The track-type tractor disclosed herein. (Figs. ll is notched adjacent its rear end to receive "5 J l and 2) includesamain frame comprising transf the upper and lower spaced end ilanges Il of mission case Il and opposite side members il exbrace 24; the iianges Il being thus welded to tending forwardly therefrom to receive engine i2. both the ilanges oi' channel 2| and to the upper The main frame is mounted upon a pair of oppoand lower notched edges of plate Il. Both side ltetruck frames which are provided at their rear members 2|, 22 are joined by spaced transverse 1'0 mds with aligned pivotal connections on shafts members 23, comprising angles having their ends Il mounted in on case il. Equalizer joined to the webs of side members 2|. 22, by sling Il has its ends supported on vthe truck welding thereto, as at Il. 4l (Figs. 3 and 4). It frame for free lateral movement with respect is, thus, seen `that angle members 2l provide l5 thereto and serves to support the iront end of vertical and horizontal flanges between side meml5 the tractor main frame. Thus. the suspension of bers 2|, 22 to provide a rigid trussed structure. the tractor main frame on the truck frames pro- As shown in Figs. 4 and 5. the intermediate transvid for limited oscillation of said truck frames verse members 23 are bent downwardly in the in vertical planes parallel to the longitudinal cencenter to provide spaces for the front idler recoil ter line of the tractor. mechanism; idler 26 being `guided in its sliding 20 Each truck frame (Figs. 1 and 2) comprises movement by the engagement of member 2l (Figs. side members 2i, 22 connected together by a 3 and 6) with guide bars 5| welded to the inner plurality of cross members 23, and a bracket or faces of side members 2|, 22. -Rearwardly of diagonal brace 24, which are described in detail feront idler 26, U-shaped bracket 5t (Figs. 3 and 25 hereinafter. Side members 2|, 22 extend for- 4) has its ends welded to said side members 2|, 25 wardly to carry front idler wheel 26 which is 2.2; the bracket being provided to receive and mounted in the forked front end of housing memguide an end of equalizer spring Il as shown in ber 2T (Fig. 1) slidable upon the truck frame.l Fig. 2. In this connection the inner side of Outer side member 22 (Fig. 3) extends rearwardhousing member 21 is apertured to allow equal- 30 ly beyond inner side member 2|, and cooperates izer spring il to project therethrough' the aper- 30 with rearwardly and inwardly extending diagonal ture being large enough to permit the sliding brace 2l to provide Widely spaced pivotal conmovement of housing 2l without interference nections Il, 22 with shaft I3. Adjacent the rear byhracket 56. Reference is made to assignee's end of each' truck frame between the rearwardly copending application by Eberhard, Serial No.

extending portion of side member 22 and brace 533,427, iiled April 28, 1931. for a more detailed 35 4 24. driving Sprocket wheel 33 is suitably mounted description of the idler and recoil mechanism for rotation about the axis of shaft Il. and is mounting. adapted to be driven by suitable ilnaldrive 'Ihe inner diagonal extension brace 2l lot the mechanism in nal drive housing Il (Fig- 2) Setruck trame, which together with the rear end l. cured to on case Il. of outer side member 22 forms the open end oi 40 Endless track 3l (Fig. l) passes around iront the Y. comprises a tubular bracket previously idler 2l and driving sprocket 33. Truck rollers referred to. The bracket is secured to inner side l'l mounted on the truck frame bear on the member 2| for a substantial distance. equal to ground stretch of the endless track. while the approximately half the length of side member 4l upper stretchis supported on track carrier rollers 2i, and comprises an integral casting having a 45 2l mounted on fixed housing member 27 Rnd Substantially rectangular cross section which is housing 3. respectively. Member 21 and housgreatest at the truck frame end of the casing im Il have telescopic engagement to allow for From the truck frame end, brace 24 converges, movement of member 2l and idler 2t when the as the casting extends inwardly and up l0 track becomes clogged; the movement being con' (Figs. l and 3). to bearing I2' on shaft il. The 5o trollcd by a suitable'spring recoil m A construction of said bracket 2l is described in mounted within housingsfl'l, 3l. greater detail in connection with the form ct The construction .of the truck frames will now truck frame shown in Figs. 'i and 8, be described. and, as they are similar. only one Prom the foregoing description, it is geen tung framewillbedescribedindetail. Eachtruck thetruck frame consists essentiallyofa pluframe comprises a rigid, trussed conrality of substantially tubular or box members listing mllly 0f Iuhtentlllly tubular Side which are molecularly imited by welding. The' members which are molecuiarly united. whereby provision of molecular union between the various any tension. n'and tordon stresses parte provides a simple'I light and nturdym 30 placed thereon do not ailect the accurate alignstruction which provides complete rigidityv to lo ment thereof with respect to the tractor main prevent twisting `or weaving of the truck` frame frame. The truck fre-me is Suhctaniilly Y- under stresses. Although for light work and the shapedil'ig. 3): tberearopenendofthevpro- -smallertractoraitisnotessentialthattbetmck vidingaspaeetoreceiveannaidrlvemechanmn framesidemembersbetubulanithasbeenfmmn e onthetransmissioncaseandtoprovidewidely thattheprovisionoiasubstantiallyt `ores spaced bearing connections for the truck frame box construction' of the principal members o( with the transmission case. By means Vof the the frame is extremely advantageous for large widelyspacedbearing connections andtbemolectractors adapted for heavy type ofrwork.` This ularly united construction. such frame is maini.; true, ne' there is absolutely norelguvepi per.

7o tained at all times in accurate alignment with mitted between the vanousmembenwhen molee- 7o the longitudinal center line of the tractor. ularly united. Hence, the streuen `Sidememlmslhnareeachofatublax-boxl bytheinherentstrengthoftheconstmetinn constructionfabricaiedbyweldingaplateberatherthanbypmvidinganyplaybetweenthe tweeniheiiangesofachannel. Outersidememmembers. llaintainingthetrucki'rameinaef ber22il'ln3and6listormed'ofchannelll cmtealknmentwithoutdistortionhetotwlst-n ing or weaving, is extremely advantageous as it prevents undue wear on the endless track mechanism which 'would otherwise be caused byvoperation of the track when the truck frame is in a distorted position. y

In the second form of the invention illustrated in Rigs. 'I and 8, the truck frame comprises inner side channel 6I, outer side channel 62 (Fig. '1),

central member 63 and diagonal brace or bracket il. Front idler 26 and driving sprocket 33 are located and supported in` a manner similar to that described with respect to the modiiication of Figs. l through 6. Central member G3 (Figs. 'l and 8) comprises an integral casting including side walls 65 and top wall B6 reinforced by a plurality of spaced vertical transverse webs or stiffening members 6l; the side walls 65 being secured to the webs of channels El and 62 by fastening members 61'. Webs 61 (Fig. 1) are provided throughout the length of casting '63 to form a rigid trussed structure. t

Diagonal brace 6l (Figs. 7 and 8) comprises a substantially tubular box casting of rectangular cross section which is greatest at-its outer end and converges to bearing 3! on shaft I3. Side walls il and 89 (Fig. '7) of casting 6l are integral with top and bottom walls 1li thereof the top and bottom walls being 'integrally united by a short longitudinally extending stifienlng wall 1| closely adjacent the wider or outer end of the casting or diagonal brace il. The top and bottom walls 10. therefore, form flanges extending outwardly from wall 1|, which flanges are positioned between the upper and lower of inner side channel. 6|, being molecularly united to the flanges of channel 6I by weld unions 12.

It will be noted that side walls 6I and El, together with the adjacent portions of the top and bottom walls 1l, in actuality, form integrally 40 united channel-like converging truss members,

to impart rigidity tothe brace; and because of the length of the connection between the brace and side channel BI and the comparatively wide between side walls 6I and 69 adjacent tlm outer` end of the brace, a double truss effect is provided from side channel M to shaft Il. The described -construction provides kabrace which Vserves effectively as a tension, compression or torsion resisting member. Apertures Il in the topand bottomwalls'll of thebracearecore holes formed in casting of the brace, and serve to allow. for escape of dirt, rocks andthe like which might otherwise lodge on the top of the brace.

The modication illustrated in Figs. 'l and 8 bas the brace Il welded or molecularly united to the truck frame; the truck frame parts Il, Il, and ll being secured by fastening members. This type ofvconstruetion is adapted for lighter types of tractors adapted for lighter work. For the heavier duty tractor. the modihcation disclosed in Figs. l through 6 is employed, because o! the rigidity of such construction. which at the same time is comparatively light and economical to build. In the modification of Pigs. l through 6, it will be again noted that the outer end of the braceextends substantiallyhalfthe distance of inner side member Il, thus providing for great strength. Becauseofthe factthatinbothmodiflcations, the outer ends of the upper and lower walls of the brace are molecularly united in overlapping relationship wlth the upper and lower iiangesoftheinnertruckframesidemember.: rigid box construction obtains at the location wherestressesaremnstseveretoprovidefor strength of construction. In effect, such upper; and lower flanges provide socket means for telescopically receiving an end-portion of the hinge brace, as can be seen from Figs. 5 and 8.

Therefore, I claim as my invention: 5 1. A truck frame construction for track-type tractors comprising side members, transverse members between and Welded to said side members, a space being provided between said side members at oneend to receive a movably mountl ed wheel, opposite parallel guide members welded on said side members for guidingvmovement of said wheel, a transverse guide member welded to said truck frame for receiving a connection from t said truck frame to the tractor body, a brace havi ing one end welded to one of said side members and extending rearwardly therefrom, the other end of said brace being adapted to provide a pivotal connection from said truck frame to the tractor body, and means on said other of said side members to provide a. second pivotal connection from said truck frame to the tractor body, said second connection beingspaced from and axially aligned with said first-mentioned pivotal connec- 2. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame comprising tubular side members, transverse members integrally 'united to said side members, and a tubular brace member integrally united to one of said side members and extending rearwardly 30 therefrom in spaced relation to the other of said side members to provide a forked end for said frame, said brace member being united to saidV one oi' said side members for a substantial distance and having converging truss portions extending inwardly and rearwardly fromsaid one of said members to provide a double truss construction. A

3. In a track-type tractor having a body, a truck frame for hinged connection with said body comprising tubular side members, transverse members integrally united to said side members, and a tubular brace member integrally united to one of said side members and extending rearwardly therefrom in spaced relation to the other of said side members to provide a forked end for .said frame.

' bracket secured by molecular union to the shorter oi! said members and extending therefrom in spaced relation with the longer of said longitudinal members to provide a forked end for said truck frame.

6. In a vehicle, a truck frame comprising a vvbody portion including spaced tubular members,

and spaced tubular extensions at one end of said body portion to provide spaced aligned points of pivotal connection between said frame and the vehicle, at least one of said extensions being secured to said body portion by welding.

7. In a track-type tractor, a body portion. a 'ggf truck frame terminating at one end in forked l tubular extensions to provide spaced pivotal conneetions between said body portion and said frame, at least one of said extensions having a welded connection with said truck frame. 7JV

y 8. In. a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced tianges'at a side thereof, and a hinge brace havingspaced members molecularly united to said iianges in overlapping'relationship with respect to said anges.

9. 1n a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced flanges at a side thereof, and a hinge brace having an end positioned between and welded to said flanges.

10. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced upper and lower flanges at a side thereof. a hinge brace having spaced upper and lower members welded to said flanges in overlapping relationship with respect to said flanges, and

a plate member welded to and cooperating with saidiianges to provide a rigid reinforced side construction.

11. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body,

Cil

a diagonal hinge brace of integral construction,

said brace having an end and converging nonparallel sides extending diagonally with respect to said end, and a weld union between said truck i'rame body and said brace end.

. 12. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame com- `prising a body including tubular side members rigidly united together, and an inwardly extending tubular hinge brace rigidly connected to said body.

13. In a vehicle, a, truck lframe, comprising a body portion of rigid construction, and tubular spaced extensions at one end oi' said body portion adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said vehicle, one of said `extensions projecting diagonally inwardly from said body portion to provide a brace.

14. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body, adiagonal hinge brace structure having an end and converging non-parallel sides extending diagonally with respect to said e'nd to provide a double truss construction, and a weld union be- I tween said truck frame body and said brace structure end.

15. In a, track-type tractor, atruck frame body,` a tubular hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly l0 connected with a part of said tractor, and means for rigidly connecting said tubular hinge brace with said body including a weld union at the end` of said tubular hinge brace adjacent said body.

16. In a track-type tractor; a truck frame 15 body; a tubular hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said tractor; and means for rigidly connecting said tubular hinge brace with said body including means rigid with I said body and receiving an end portion of said tubular hinge brace in overlapping relationship,

and a weld union between said means and said end portion. f

1'1. In a track-type tractor; a truck frame ll body; a hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said tractor; and means for rigidly connecting said hinge Vbrace with said body including socket means rigid with said body n and receiving an end portion of said hinge brace in telescoping relationship, and a weld union between said socket means and said end portion.

oscARns-rl'lnn.v ff

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION'.

Patent No. 2,049,672.

August 4, 1936.

OSCAR L. STARR.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

claim 3, strike out thewords column, line 39, same claim, strike` out Page 5, second "having a body"; line 40,

"for hinged connection'with said body"; and that the Said Letters Patent should be read.with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the recordoi' they case in the Patent. Office.

signed and sealed'this 27th day of october, A. D. 193e.

(Seal) Henry VanrArsdale yActing Commissioner of Patents.

y 8. In. a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced tianges'at a side thereof, and a hinge brace havingspaced members molecularly united to said iianges in overlapping'relationship with respect to said anges.

9. 1n a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced flanges at a side thereof, and a hinge brace having an end positioned between and welded to said flanges.

10. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body having spaced upper and lower flanges at a side thereof. a hinge brace having spaced upper and lower members welded to said flanges in overlapping relationship with respect to said flanges, and

a plate member welded to and cooperating with saidiianges to provide a rigid reinforced side construction.

11. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body,

Cil

a diagonal hinge brace of integral construction,

said brace having an end and converging nonparallel sides extending diagonally with respect to said end, and a weld union between said truck i'rame body and said brace end.

. 12. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame com- `prising a body including tubular side members rigidly united together, and an inwardly extending tubular hinge brace rigidly connected to said body.

13. In a vehicle, a, truck lframe, comprising a body portion of rigid construction, and tubular spaced extensions at one end oi' said body portion adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said vehicle, one of said `extensions projecting diagonally inwardly from said body portion to provide a brace.

14. In a track-type tractor, a truck frame body, adiagonal hinge brace structure having an end and converging non-parallel sides extending diagonally with respect to said e'nd to provide a double truss construction, and a weld union be- I tween said truck frame body and said brace structure end.

15. In a, track-type tractor, atruck frame body,` a tubular hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly l0 connected with a part of said tractor, and means for rigidly connecting said tubular hinge brace with said body including a weld union at the end` of said tubular hinge brace adjacent said body.

16. In a track-type tractor; a truck frame 15 body; a tubular hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said tractor; and means for rigidly connecting said tubular hinge brace with said body including means rigid with I said body and receiving an end portion of said tubular hinge brace in overlapping relationship,

and a weld union between said means and said end portion. f

1'1. In a track-type tractor; a truck frame ll body; a hinge brace extending inwardly with respect to said body and adapted to be hingedly connected with a part of said tractor; and means for rigidly connecting said hinge Vbrace with said body including socket means rigid with said body n and receiving an end portion of said hinge brace in telescoping relationship, and a weld union between said socket means and said end portion.

oscARns-rl'lnn.v ff

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION'.

Patent No. 2,049,672.

August 4, 1936.

OSCAR L. STARR.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

claim 3, strike out thewords column, line 39, same claim, strike` out Page 5, second "having a body"; line 40,

"for hinged connection'with said body"; and that the Said Letters Patent should be read.with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the recordoi' they case in the Patent. Office.

signed and sealed'this 27th day of october, A. D. 193e.

(Seal) Henry VanrArsdale yActing Commissioner of Patents. 

